Vanderbilt Expert Helps You Pick A Great Educational App
885 views · Published 12 February 2015 · 2:10 · Indexed 24 October 2026
Channel: Vanderbilt University · 2015 · Education
Smart phones and tablets are the new way to play. Everywhere you look, children—from toddlers on up—are engrossed in handheld devices. But parents needn’t see screen time as the enemy. When chosen wisely, apps can help a child learn important skills such as reading, algebra, fractions and even computer coding—all while having fun. Being actively involved in the selection process is key, as all apps are not created equal, says Georgene Troseth, associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of education and human development. “The designers of digital products sometimes know very little about child development and learning, and there is almost no regulation,” she says. “Parents should look for high-quality media and devices that are not only fun but enhance a child’s learning and development at the same time.” How to decide amongst the thousands of apps available? Troseth suggests start with consumer review sites like Common Sense Media, which rate apps from an educational standpoint. “There are a few things to look for when selecting an app,” says National Science Foundation graduate fellow Colleen Russo, who conducts research with Troseth. “Look for a well-designed interface, so your child won’t get frustrated when they tap or trace imperfectly. Also, the app should be designed to notice if your child keeps getting something wrong, and prompt them to revisit the original lesson.” Other tips: Be sure the instructions are readily available and clear. They should stay long enough for your child to understand how to play. There should be a parent/teacher section built into the app stating the intended educational gains and the research behind the app. Watch out for free apps, which often display distracting (and sometimes inappropriate) banner ads. Stay involved in the decision-making, not only in choosing the apps, but keeping a close watch on how long a child spends on touch screens. “Apps and tech toys should not act as a replacement for real-world play and experiences with family,” Russo says. “A ‘balanced diet’ of screen time and other activities will promote better development.” Read more at http://news.vanderbilt.edu Follow Vanderbilt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanderbiltu, on Instagram: http://instagram.com/vanderbiltu and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanderbilt. See all Vanderbilt social media at http://social.vanderbilt.edu.
